Kathmandu, Nepal, November 23, 2025: The historic 'Gidde Press', widely recognized as Nepal's first printing press, has been officially returned to the Gorkhapatra Corporation, the state-owned print media organization, after an absence of 46 years.
The press was formally handed over from the National Museum at Chhauni to the Gorkhapatra Corporation on November 22, 2025 (Mangsir 6, 2082 BS). The decision to repatriate the artifact was made so it could be properly showcased as a symbol of the nation's print history. The 'Gidde Press' was originally transferred to the National Museum for its preservation on 1 Ashoj 2036 BS. Reports indicate that during its time away, components were sometimes left exposed or stored haphazardly due to insufficient space and a lack of skilled personnel for proper installation. The Corporation now plans to display the machine in a dedicated exhibition room.
The press was originally brought to Nepal in 1908 B.S. (approximately 1851 AD) by then Prime Minister Janga Bahadur Rana following his trip to Britain. It is believed to be a Colombian printing press due to a distinctive vulture or bald eagle emblem on its top lever, which is the source of its Nepali name, 'Gidde' (Vulture) Press. After its arrival, it was initially housed in Prime Minister Rana's Thapathali Palace before being relocated to the Gorkhapatra printing facility.
The historic 'Gidde Press' played a crucial, foundational role in the development of printing in Nepal. Although it was initially used to print government gazettes and official documents, it was later shifted to the Gorkhapatra Corporation to print the Gorkhapatra, the first Nepali-medium national daily newspaper, which was established in 1958 B.S. (1901 AD).
In encouraging development, mechanical engineering students from the Thapathali Engineering Campus have volunteered to assist with the necessary maintenance and restoration of the historic machine. The Corporation is also discussing collaboration with the National Innovation Centre for technical support.
